Michigan State’s latest recruiting move came with a clear target in mind: Logan Thompson, one of the top cornerbacks in the 2028 class and a player whose speed and versatility have already made him a national name.
The Spartans have jumped into a crowded race for the 6-foot, 175-pound standout from Althoff Catholic in Belleville, Illinois. Thompson has built his reputation as one of the premier defensive backs in the country, and Michigan State is now part of a long list of major programs that have already offered him.
That group includes Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Iowa State, Colorado, Kansas, Kansas State, Kentucky, LSU, Michigan, Ole Miss, Notre Dame and Wisconsin, among many others.
Thompson’s game starts with his burst. He closes fast on receivers, stays attached in coverage and has the recovery speed to erase mistakes when plays break down. He moves smoothly, which helps him keep up downfield and make a play on the ball.
He also brings something extra to the table. Thompson is a legitimate two-way player, with production at wide receiver as well. That kind of versatility can give a college staff options when it comes time to decide where he fits best.
The rankings back up the hype. According to 247Sports, Thompson has a 91 grade, good for a 4-star rating. That places him No. 46 nationally in the 2028 class, along with the No. 6 spot among cornerbacks and No. 4 among players from Illinois.
His 247Sports Composite ranking is even stronger. Thompson’s composite score sits at .9795, which also makes him a 4-star recruit. In that set of rankings, he is No. 43 nationally, still No. 6 at cornerback, and No. 3 in Illinois.
For Michigan State, the offer comes at a time when the secondary is becoming one of the most important parts of the program. The Spartans have experience back there this season, with Nikai Martinez, Charles Brantley and Tre Bell providing leadership and steadiness in the defensive backfield.
There is also continuity on the staff side. Fitzgerald kept defensive coordinator Joe Rossi and safeties coach James Adams from the previous staff, giving the defense some stability moving forward.
Cornerbacks coach Hank Poteat, who extended the offer, now has the task of building the relationship with Thompson while navigating a tough recruiting battle.
The Spartans may have a chance to help their case on the field first. If Michigan State goes to South Bend this Saturday and pulls off a major upset against Notre Dame, that result could give Fitzgerald and his staff a strong sales pitch on the trail.
And Thompson is the kind of recruit who would fit right into that conversation.
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